The Golden Triangle Polymers Project is a joint venture between Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP and a subsidiary of QatarEnergy to create a world-scale integrated polymers facility on the Texas Gulf Coast. The project has selected Emerson to provide automation capabilities including software and analytics from its Plantweb digital ecosystem.
The aim of the polymers facility is to run with a 25% overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to similar facilities in the U.S. and Europe by using the latest greenhouse gas emissions reduction technology on the market.
Located in Orange, Texas, it includes a 2,080 KTA ethane cracker as well as two 1,000 KTA high-density polyethylene units which are used to produce durable goods and packaging to protect food and keep medical supplies sterile.
“The Golden Triangle Polymers Project and the recently announced Ras Laffan Petrochemical Complex in Qatar are among the world’s largest ethane crackers, both leveraging Emerson’s digital automation technologies, software, and expertise to promote safer, smarter, and more sustainable operations,” said Ron Martin, Emerson’s president, Americas.
Emerson was also selected earlier this year to help automate the largest ethane cracker in the Middle East project in Qatar.
“With its digital automation technologies, industrial software portfolio, and deep energy experience, we are relying on Emerson to help ensure a project of this magnitude operates safely and reliably, optimizes energy use, and mitigates emissions,” said David Godard, project director for the Golden Triangle Polymers Project.
Specifically, Emerson will integrate process control and safety systems that use advanced predictive maintenance technologies to simplify operations and minimize risks through its DeltaV distributed control system and Rosemount gas analyzer and chromatograph solutions.
DeltaV DCS helps to digitally transform operations by reducing the burden of IT support and spending coupled with expanded analytics. Data access is given to every operator for informed decisions, automation is easier to set up and maintain, future-proofing is easier through the hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) virtualization tool, and process speed is increased through the Spectral Process Analytical Technology that integrates two analytics solutions for real-time closed-loop control.
Additionally, Emerson’s Mimic and AspenTech HYSYS simulation software will be used for operator training, energy management, safety analysis, and operational optimization. Lastly, Emerson’s AgileOps operations management software and alarm management services will help staff monitor and maintain safety, alarms, and the control system.
Mimic Field 3D is an immersive VR training experience that prepares workers for any plant event, helping them make better decisions regarding operating changes and practice proper procedures before entering potentially hazardous plant areas. It uses 3D CAD models of the facility and equipment with realistic colors and textures and lets users create simulation scenarios using logic and modeling tools.
The idea is that before or while the plant is being built, operators in the field environment can become familiar and comfortable, reducing the time needed to train on the plant site.
The project is estimated to cost $8.5 billion with operations set to commence in 2026.